Terpenes are the compounds behind the distinct aromas of different cannabis varieties. Here's an introduction to the major ones and where else they occur in nature.
If you have ever noticed that one cannabis variety smells like citrus peel and another like a pine forest, you have noticed terpenes at work. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each variety its distinct smell and flavour, and they are one of the most useful things to understand when comparing products.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by a huge range of plants — lavender, citrus fruit, conifers, hops, black pepper, and many more. Cannabis happens to be an unusually terpene-rich plant, and different varieties produce very different terpene profiles.
Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavour of each variety. Some researchers are also studying whether terpenes interact with cannabinoids — a hypothesis often called the "entourage effect" — but this research is still in early stages, and we present terpenes here as what they verifiably are: the source of aroma and flavour.
The Major Terpenes in Cannabis
Myrcene
- Aroma: earthy, musky, slightly fruity
- Also found in: mangoes, hops, lemongrass
- Frequently the most abundant terpene in cannabis; some analyses find it can make up half of a variety's terpene content.
Limonene
- Aroma: bright citrus
- Also found in: lemon and orange peels
- Common in varieties with pronounced citrus aromas.
Pinene
- Aroma: pine, fresh forest
- Also found in: pine needles, rosemary, basil
- The most widespread terpene in the natural world.
Linalool
- Aroma: floral, slightly spicy
- Also found in: lavender, coriander
Caryophyllene
- Aroma: peppery, woody
- Also found in: black pepper, cloves
- Chemically notable because it is the only common terpene known to also interact directly with cannabinoid receptors.
Terpinolene
- Aroma: complex — floral, herbal, slightly fruity
- Also found in: nutmeg, apples, tea tree
Honourable mentions: humulene (hoppy, earthy), ocimene (sweet, herbal), and bisabolol (floral, also found in chamomile).
Using Terpene Information When Shopping
Two varieties with identical THC percentages can smell and taste completely different because of their terpene profiles. Many licensed producers now print terpene content on their packaging, and where the format allows, you can often assess a product's aroma before buying. If flavour and aroma matter to you, the terpene profile is at least as informative as the THC number.
Storage Matters
Terpenes are volatile and fade with exposure to air, heat, and light. Airtight, opaque containers stored in a cool place preserve them longest — see our storage guide for details.
Cannabis is for adults 19 and over in British Columbia. Staff at any Hive Cannabis location can tell you which products on our shelves list their terpene profiles.
Sources
Cannabis rules are jurisdiction-specific. The references above apply to British Columbia and Canada.
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